Agriculture
23 March, 2024
New soil guide launched
A NEW resource will serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers and gardeners keen to understand and improve their soil health was launched in Pyramid Hill on Thursday. North Central Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria have teamed to...
A NEW resource will serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers and gardeners keen to understand and improve their soil health was launched in Pyramid Hill on Thursday.
North Central Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria have teamed to create the region’s Soil Health Guide.
North Central CMA sustainable agriculture program manager Mandy Coulson said the guide included a physical and digital book, a step-by step website, and instructional videos on how to understand, test and improve soil.
“Soil is central to a lot of the challenges farmers face, so understanding the makeup of soil and how to improve it can go a long way to helping them make the right decisions,” she said.
“No matter whether you’re in a paddock, at your desk, on the lounge, or in the garden, you’ll have access to the information you need to test and improve your soil.
“These resources are perfect for our catchment, but the knowledge can be easily used anywhere around Victoria or Australia.”
Agriculture Victoria grains northern biosecurity and agriculture services regional manager Rebecca Mitchell will launch the guide at the soil and decision making forum.
She and said the resources offered practical information and solutions. “The Soil Health Guide is a toolkit and identifies a range of simple tests anyone can do to determine management actions to improve soil health,” she said.
“The Soil Health Guide looks at ground cover, biological activity, soil colour, pH, texture, topsoil, structure, compaction, and stability. The guide also discusses the valuable role played by existing soil carbon stores and how they offer great benefit to both agricultural productivity and the wider environment.”
Ms Coulson said the forum was focussed on providing practical insights and tools to help farmers make informed decisions.
“In complex systems with so many decisions to be made, it can be tough for farmers to make sound decisions,” she said.
Think Agri’s Kate Burke will talk about why paying attention to soil makes great business sense. Canary Island farmer Jo Bear will talk about her experiences and how to unlock the potential with the Soil Health Guide.